An American food analysis company independently tested a large number of burgers, finding rat DNA in the likes of burger patties, and chicken, human hair and fingernails in even vegetarian products.

Of the 258 burgers were tested, from 79 brands and retailers, 13.6 percent of all burgers had red flags relating to hygiene, pathogenic contamination and ingredient substitutions, as well as a nutritional data.

Arguable the worst finding was three burger patties containing rat DNA and one case of human DNA. The report notes that while the rat DNA is straight-up disgusting, it doesn’t present a health concern, but rather just inconsistent handling protocols.

The human DNA could come from hair, fingernails or other matter.

There were also two cases of meat being found in vegetarian products, a black bean burger void of any black beans and multiple cases of chicken and turkey found in products without poultry listed in the ingredients.

The menu items of fast food chains were also anaylised for nutritional data, and the news wasn’t good. Of the 47 items assessed, 38 of them had more calories than reported by the restaurant. So basically, don’t be trusting that menu board when trying to make a healthy choice.

Clear Labs, the company that conducted the report, has chosen to keep all the identity of brands and retailers anonymous, and conducted the report to provide a snapshot of the production industry, and highlight issues relating to hygiene and safety.

“We analyzed ground meat1, frozen patties, fast food burger products, and veggie burger products,” the report specified.
“No outside partners, companies, customers, or other entities had any influence on or contribution to the research and testing, and all sample information will remain anonymous.”